Are you ready for Cycle to Work Day on September 12th?

Hundreds of bike shops across the UK have been enlisted to offer free bike health checks – ‘an MOT for your bike’ – as part of the Cycle to Work Day, taking place Thursday September 12th.

Bikes will be assessed by the shops where they’ll be given a simple rating of either Green, Amber or Red: Green indicates the bike is in tip-top condition, whereas Amber or Red means it’d be advisable to book the bike into the workshop before the rider tackles their commute.

Participating retailers are listed here. Potential riders looking for a free bike health check can download a form here.

Launched by Cyclescheme and supported by British Cycling, Sustrans, Bicycle Association, Business in the Community and championed by multiple gold medal winning Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, Cycle to Work Day aims to highlight the benefits of cycling as a means of transport and encourage more people to cycle, more often

The Cycle to Work Day website offers would-be commuters the ability to pledge to ride on September 12th. All those who have pledged to ride on the day will be entered into a free prize draw to win hundreds of prizes, including a top prize of a Raleigh Revenio 2.

 www.cycletoworkday.org for a range of cycling advice, resources and hundreds of prizes up for grabs.

Dame Sarah Storey has shared some tips for those taking part on a safe and enjoyable commute:

1. Go at your own pace – Over 50 per cent of commuting journeys are under 5 miles, so don’t worry that you won’t make it into work on time – most cycle commutes are less than 30 minutes.
2. Take a healthy snack – Keeping your energy up when you’re cycling is important. Have a healthy snack when you get into work and drink plenty of water and you’ll start the day feeling fantastic.
3. Be aware – Always make sure you can hear what is going on around you. If you are making a turn,
left or right, always look, look again and then signal.
4. Enjoy it! – Cycling is fantastic for health and fitness. It really makes you feel alive and wakes you up if you’re feeling a little bit tired. It’s a fantastic way of being and staying fit.